Why Harrison Reed to Burnley would bolster their midfield
According to Daily Mail, Burnley are interested in signing Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed in the summer. He is currently on loan with Fulham in the Championship.
Reed, 25, rose through the ranks of the Saints’ youth system and made his debut for the senior team in August 2013. However, in the next four seasons, he could make just 30 appearances for the South Coast side and has been on the move since then.
He played for clubs like Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers in the Championship before joining Fulham last summer. In his last three seasons, he has been impressive, and the report suggests that his eye-catching displays have caught the attraction of several clubs in England.
Reed has just one more year left on his contract with Southampton and thus, Burnley should make a move for him at the earliest.
Reed could provide depth and quality to Burnley’s midfield
At the moment, Jack Cork, Ashley Westwood and Robbie Brady are the three main midfielders available at the manager’s disposal. They also signed Josh Brownhill in January from Bristol City to bolster their midfield and the 24-year-old has featured in 9 games so far.
However, Cork and Westwood are over 30 years of age, and are reaching the twilight of their careers. Moreover, they have just one year left in their contract with the club and if they leave at the end of next season, Burnley would be left with limited options in the midfield.
In that regard, signing Reed would be a suitable option for the club. The Englishman may not have performed for Southampton in the past but he has made the most use of his loan spells. After notching up 1 goal and 4 assists for Norwich in the 2017/18 season, he followed it with 3 goals and 7 assists in 36 games for Blackburn last season.
He has been improving in the last few years and could be a crucial player for the Clarets in the near future if he is able to replicate the same form.
His inclusion to Dyche’s squad would certainly add depth and he could take over from Cork and Westwood if they leave after their contract comes to an end. And the fact that he is able to contribute with goals and assists despite being a defensive midfielder could be a huge bonus for the side.
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Verdict
With limited options, it is clear that Burnley are in dire need of midfielders. And Reed, at the moment, is in the form of his life. He could provide them with some much-needed depth and quality and the Clarets should be able to enjoy his best, which is yet to come. Thus, luring him to Turf Moor would be a wise decision by the club.
